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  • Published: 25 November 2026
  • ISBN: 9781662621109
  • Imprint: Astra Publishing House
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $48.00

What Shall We Tell You?




A moving, hopeful picture book for ages 4–8, perfect for families, classrooms, and anyone seeking an inspiring story about kindness, belonging, and courage in the face of bigotry.

What do adults say when a child feels hurt, excluded, or afraid? In lyrical question-and-answer verses, this tender poem offers reassurance, naming hardship without turning away from it. Wade Hudson’s compassionate words, paired with Tonya Engel’s lush illustrations, create a gentle, deeply felt read-aloud about resilience, love, and the quiet strength that helps children endure difficult days. Poignant and uplifting, this beautiful picture book affirms that every child matters and that hope can rise even in dark moments. A heartfelt choice for shared reading, it is a moving reminder that love and kindness can help children feel seen, safe, and strong.

  • Published: 25 November 2026
  • ISBN: 9781662621109
  • Imprint: Astra Publishing House
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $48.00

About the authors

Tonya Engel

Tonya Engel is an award-winning artist and illustrator of more than 30 children’s books, many of which feature Black women in history. Her titles include Because Claudette by Tracey Baptiste, Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, Rise! From Cages Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou by Bethany Hegedus, A Voice Named Aretha by Katheryn Russell-Brown, Ida B. Wells, Voice of Truth by Michelle Duster, and many others. In addition to children’s books, Tonya’s art can be found on prints, greeting cards, and textiles. She lives in Houston, Texas. Visit tonyaengel.com.

Wade Hudson

Wade Hudson is the author of numerous books for children, including the memoir Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South, and is also the co-editor of the critically acclaimed collection Recognize!: An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life. He and his wife Cheryl are not only frequent co-authors, but also the co-founders and publishers of Just Us Books, a company dedicated to publishing books geared toward Black children. He lives in East Orange, New Jersey. Visit eblewis.com.